Published: November 17, 2004

An opposition congressman pulled out a gun during a debate that deteriorated into a brawl on the floor of Congress. Guards took the pistol from Alfonso Harb, a member of the Social Christian Party, who said he needed it to defend himself from ethnic Indians who were protesting outside the chamber. The debate, over a failed attempt to impeach President Lucio Guti?ez, turned violent after the president's brother Gilmar, also a congressman, pushed and slapped a member of the opposition. Members of both sides joined in, jostling one another and shouting insults. The brawlers face suspensions from Congress for up to six months, although punishments would have to be approved by the same bitterly divided 100-member chamber.